TOI: If not me then who- Mahesh Thakur

With his apprehension that TV actors are increasingly turning into replaceable commodities, Mahesh Thakur, before he accepted a role in the serial Sasuraal Genda Phool, asked the director one question ' 'If not me, then who?'

The answer dispelled Mahesh's doubts of being seen as an easy-to-replace actor, and it instantly made him trust the show. "It is sensible to ask this question because actors on TV get substituted quite easily. The directors are not willing to give much importance to the actors. All they look for in an actor are looks and availability of dates. But I was quite happy that I got 'Nobody' as the reply to my first question. It meant I was being appreciated for what I could deliver rather than being signed on just for my looks for the role, which has become every actor's selling point these days," he rues.

Armed with acting experience of over a decade, Mahesh doesn't classify himself as a "one of those actors who enter the industry to leave it". But what's with the newcomers who join the TV industry and then leave, never to return? "This is completely my point of view, but I think that most actors join the industry to make quick money. The moment they feel they are popular, they want to jack up their price. Unfortunately, they have no talent to justify the amount. If actors like Om Puri quote a particular price, that's because they have the calibre to justify it. And an actor who charges money on the basis of his popularity, runs the risk of being sacked when the show's TRPs drop. It is essential for us to work on talent, making it easier for the audience to accept us in every role that we essay. One has to do different roles for a very long period of time to get recognised, like in my case, as Mahesh Thakur rather than, say, Suraj from Shararat," he says.

Unlike many actors who either got no work or were kicked out of their ongoing shows, Mahesh was lucky that even the recessionary phase turned out to be in his favour. "I did about six feature films and 15-18 ad films during that period," he says. But it wasn't that easy. "No matter how many ads you do, people still expect you to audition. For feature films, one is expected to block dates in advance. One may have been roped in for a two-three day long shoot, but ends up blocking at least 10 days.
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Currently, the actor has two films, four commercials and a play called Saath Rahega Always on the cards. But in his non-work hours, Mahesh does pretty interesting things 'like practice his culinary skills. He did that in a commercial for popcorn, and he makes popcorn at home for his sons. "Yes, I make popcorn for my sons Aryan (8) and Araish (4)," he says. Is there anything else that he can cook? "Toast," comes the instant reply. But is that enough to keep his wife happy? "Yes, she is happy with that. After all, I earn the bread and eat it too!" he laughs.